Chairman’s opening address:

Chris Wright opened proceedings by welcoming everyone to the meeting. He stated it had been a successful season both off and off the field! The availability of members during the season had been disappointing, necessitating 44 players having to be employed to get through the fixtures. The social cricketer was now something of a dying breed, but the club was still popular and playing for the Tigers will always improve one’s standard of life.

Captain’s report:

Stewart Taylor advised the meeting that it had been a difficult year, but still enjoyable despite the ups and downs. The team had competed well in nearly every game and a couple of matches had been narrowly lost which could have gone either way. The biggest disappointment was going three months without a win (10 games), but his big personal highlight was scoring his first century for the club. He thanked everyone for their efforts during the season.

Treasurer’s report:

Steve Bignell reported to the meeting that the club had made an overall profit for the year (£321.42), mainly due to making a profit on the nets instead of the usual loss, the fees being increased from £5-£10 per attendee. The balance in the bank was £772.67, although this will be reduced to about £250 following payments for the AGM, trophies and 2018 nets. Subscriptions will remain at £70, match fees and nets £10, although it was projected that the club would again go into the red next May when the home pitches had to be paid for. It was hoped that subs would be paid earlier by all members. To make up any shortfall it was asked if anyone had any ideas for fund raising during the winter (to be followed up).

Fixture Secretary’s report:

Matt Webster was happy with the projected opposition for 2018 and hoped the club would arrange for up to 26 fixtures, although some may fall by the wayside due to weather cancellations or lack of players. Three games were cancelled in 2017. The Porto trip was booked for 12/13 May 2018 and it is hoped an Essex weekend would be arranged for June/July, plus a possible weekend at Holcombe Hall in Norfolk. It is likely that two balls will be required for each match next season, which will impact on the finances.

Winchmore Hill:

Matt also advised that the Winchmore Hill 6-a-side competition will be revived in 2018, but will be played on a Sunday instead of midweek. It was hoped that the Tigers would field a team (possible two), although this might mean sacrificing a regular fixture.

Website:

Chris Dane was thanked for his efforts for supervising the site, which was very popular, along with Steve Bignell for his match reports. Chris reiterated that anyone is welcome to make a contributions with articles, photos, etc, which may include player profiles for 2018, or perhaps an ‘Honours Board’.

Election of officials:

The present committee was re-elected without a vote as there were no other nominations, as follows:

Chairman – Chris Wright

Vice-Chairman Matt Webster

Captain – Stewart Taylor

Vice-Captain – Richard Burgess

Secretary/Treasurer – Steve Bignell

Fixture Secretary – Matt Webster

Committee Member – Chris Dane

Jimmy Carter was co-opted onto the committee as ‘Head of Tiger Futures’ to be responsible for ongoing recruitment of new members.

Steve Bignell was unanimously conferred with the title of Club President.

Club awards for 2017:

The following awards were voted after a secret ballot:

Player of the Year – Stewart Taylor

Batsman of the Year – Chris Wright

Bowler of the Year – Matt Webster

Fielder of the Year – Garret O’Brien

Champagne Moment – Stewart Taylor’s maiden hundred

Stewart conferred his Captain’s Award on Matt Webster

It was agreed there will also be a President’s Award from next year going forward.

Nets:

These have been booked up, weekly on a Wednesday or Thursday night 7-8 pm from March 14 to April 18 – cost £10 per attendee.

AOB:

The President will organise a Xmas outing for members and friends, involving drinks and possibly a meal afterwards. Chris Wright advised there will be the usual ‘Walk in Epping Forest’ between Xmas and New Year, to which everyone is welcome.